Published: March 19, 2009 09:21 am      

From the Publisher's Desk: The Star isn't going anywhere

Nationally, across all industries, these are hard economic times and, as they should, the news media have covered it every step of the way.

Over the past several months, many local businesses have had to make tough choices in their operations to stabilize or minimize the impact of this recession. That includes this newspaper.

I would venture to say that no business has been unaffected on some level, and although it's not the most positive news, it is the reality.

We've read about the federal bailouts, the stimulus package, the governor's budget proposals, companies downsizing or closing their doors, and the rising unemployment rates, just to name a few news items.

Each one of us has a unique circumstance or approach in dealing with this difficult market. I wish someone had the answers to all of our concerns, but even economists are still scratching their heads.

I do know this: we must all assess where we are and determine where we want to be and make adjustments to that end.

Since 1890, The Daily Star, as your local newspaper, has had the privilege to inform and educate on topics, pressing issues, our neighbors and local places. We've been able to do this only because of your support.

A cliche it may be, but we've been here in the past, are here now and will continue to be the most reliable and useful information source to those we serve.

Let there be no mistake that you, our loyal readers and advertisers, make what we do possible. You are the driving force behind what we do, and I thank you for your continued support.

Over the past two years as publisher of your community newspaper, I have had the opportunity to hear your feedback _ good, bad and indifferent.

As we walk this path together, your sentiments and opinions do not fall on deaf ears. It is my job to serve you, this community, and lead my team based on your comments, suggestions and criticisms, and to analyze how and what we can do better.

In short, even as we all struggle in this challenging economic environment, the enduring partnership between all of our communities and the dozens of Daily Star employees continues to grow and thrive.

Our newspaper is far from perfect, but we strive each day to balance our editorial opinions, unbiased news content and meeting your needs while still maintaining a viable business.

You've seen a new product launch _ namely our magazine, Upstate Life. Also, we recently renamed, upgraded and improved The Weekly Star.

You've read new features. Our community guest columnists give a variety of different perspectives on issues that impact us all. We have taken steps to expand our Saturday staffing to cover more great and deserving weekend events.

You may have seen me at any number of local community and business functions. I'm not hard to find, because I believe it is an important part of your newspaper's job to enthusiastically support numerous local organizations and events.

Our readers have been able to count on this newspaper for 119 years, and we'll continue to be your No. 1 source for information far into the future.

We're in it for the long haul, and we'll do everything we can to assist our region through these tough economic times with a watchful eye toward a more-prosperous future.

We'll get through this, folks ... together.

If you are still tracking my efforts to quit smoking, the April tax increase will certainly help me in my goal of being smoke-free.

While I was grabbing my morning staple, a very LARGE coffee, the clerk behind the counter was talking with the man in front of me who was purchasing a pack of cigarettes. The customer was surprised to learn that his cigarettes were already costing more, and we haven't hit the effective date yet.

As I hope many will jump on the wagon with me, I hope this is the last needed push over the edge to kick the habit. Good luck, and my thoughts are with everyone who will try to break the strong ties with nicotine.

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Tanya Shalor is publisher of The Daily Star and may be reached at (607) 432-1000, ext. 214, or tshalor@thedailystar.com. Her column appears every other week.